6 Tricks To Make Your Legs Look Longer

Whether it’s as easy as wearing a pair of nude heels or learning how to play with proportions in high-waisted jeans a la Ali Larter, you’d be surprised how these simple ideas fool everyone into assuming you’ve got mile-long gams. Click through our slideshow for six must-try tips--and get ready for the compliments!

It’s as simple as that! Find a pair that’s as close as possible to your skin tone. The nude hue makes it hard to tell where your leg ends and your foot begins--a good thing if you want longer gams. We suggest Zara’s Platform Peep-Toe Heels ($50) in Nude.

A pair of high-waisted pants or shorts makes it seem as if your waistline’s higher, and therefore, your legs longer. Take a cue from Ali Larter, who paired high-rise denim with high heels for an endless effect. Try AG’s Goldie High Rise Trousers ($85) in Captivate or, for a darker wash, Henry & Belle’s High Waisted Flare Jeans ($75).

Bronzer might be your new best friend. If you’re wearing shorts or a mini skirt, smooth bronzer--we like the subtle shimmer of Nars’ Body Glow ($59)--onto your legs, focusing heavily on the shins, to create a lengthening optical illusion.

Aside from the obvious benefit of high heels, which give you immediate height, pointy-toe pumps like Stuart Weitzman’s Naughty Pumps ($335) instantly elongate your feet (making it appear like your legs are longer, too). Bonus points for finding a pointy stiletto with a low-cut vamp; in other words, toe cleavage is your friend! Opt for this style rather than a shoe with straps that cut across your ankle.

You don’t have to toss your skinny jeans, but it’s a smart idea to invest in a pair of wide-leg pants, particularly a pair with vertical details. The floor-skimming hemline looks incredible paired with wedges (just see how Viviana Volpicella, Vogue Brazil’s contributing fashion editor, styled her side-stripe trousers). Plus, a wedge offers an easy and comfortable way to boost your height--and therefore the look of your legs--by six inches. For a similar effect, try Aldo’s Armentor Wedges ($80) in Peach and Tibi’s Anson Tuxedo Pants ($295) in Ivory Multi.